Bellagio lies right at the centre of the central lake. Poised at the far end of the promontory which divides the two branches of the lake, this magical town is surrounded by blue waters and green woods, embellished by magnificent flowering gardens, perfumed by the scent of Mediterranean and Alpine flowers, blessed with a mild climate and a languid atmosphere where time seems to stand still. There is no other place like Bellagio. Pliny the Younger was one of the first to realise this and he spent long lazy periods of literally pleasures here.

The aristocracy from Lombardy then turned it into a sparkling Italian Versailles in the 18th and 19th centuries. Bellagio is still an exclusive and elegant oasis, slightly set apart, yet at the same time so central. If you want to experience a journey outside time, visit Villa Serbelloni or Villa Melzi and try to lose yourself in the parks, amid the countless flowering azaleas and winding paths, before chancing on suggestive views of the lake.

In the shops of Bellagio you can find the best of "Made in Italy". Instead , if you are more interested in art, wander through the old centre and visit the splendid churches: the Basilica of S.Giacomo dating back to the 12th century, the Romanesque churches of S.Giorgio and S.Martino and the Baroque church of S.Giovanni Battista. Do you need to work off some energy? Follow one of the numerous marked tracks up the hills and through the woods. At the top of Monte S.Primo (a 2-hour walk) you will be rewarded by an impressive panorama stretching from the Alp across the entire Po Valley.